The England Tour of Australia builds new excitement as both teams move to Adelaide for the 3rd Test. Fans expect high drama because the first two Tests went in Australia’s favor. The 3rd Test holds huge value because England needs a strong comeback. Australia enters this Test with full confidence because their recent form looks sharp. 

The match begins on December 17, and the ground atmosphere will push the tension even higher. Cricket lovers take a deep interest in team form, recent numbers, and squad strength. Every small detail shapes the way this Test might move on live screens.

Australia dominated the first two matches in this test series. England struggled with consistency and wants a better start in Adelaide. 

Adelaide always brings good contests, and this Test follows the same pattern. Every session matters, and every wicket adds weight to the final result. A strong preview helps viewers understand where the game may turn. 

Recent Performance Table

Team	Last Five Results	Notes
Australia	W W W W W	Strong winning streak
England	L L D W L	Mixed results, needs stability

England vs Australia Squads for the 3rd Test

Australia Squad

Steven Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

England Squad

Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Shoaib Bashir, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood

ICC World Test Championship Table 

Team	Matches	Wins	Losses	Draws	Points	PCT
AUS	5	5	0	0	60	100
SA	4	3	1	0	36	75
SL	2	1	0	1	16	66.67
PAK	2	1	1	0	12	50
IND	9	4	4	1	52	48.15
NZ	1	0	0	1	4	33.33
ENG	7	2	4	1	26	30.95
BAN	2	0	1	1	4	16.67
WI	6	0	5	1	4	5.56

Australia stays on top and plays with pressure-free energy. England fights for better standing and wants points to rise on the table.

Head to Head Last Five Matches

Date	Result
03 Dec 2025	Australia won by 8 wickets
20 Nov 2025	Australia won by 8 wickets
27 Jul 2023	England won by 49 runs
19 Jul 2023	Match drawn
06 Jul 2023	England won by 3 wickets

Australia controls the recent pattern with two clear wins. England had earlier success in 2023 and wants to regain that level again.

What the England vs Australia 3rd Test Means for the Series

The England Tour of Australia reaches a tense stage. The 3rd Test holds the power to shape the full series story. Australia already leads the contest with strong form and great control. England wants a shift in momentum and looks at Adelaide as the ground that can refresh confidence. Fans expect a competitive match because both teams know the weight of this event. A clear plan and strong execution can change the pace of this Test. 

Australia plays with freedom because of their winning run. England needs a stronger push from both the top order and the bowlers. The patterns of earlier games show a gap that England must cover with smart batting and disciplined spells. Adelaide holds great value because of its long-format balance. Every small detail gives hints about possible turning points in this Test.

Match Conditions for the 3rd Test

The 3rd Test brings long playing hours and changing sessions. The balance between bat and ball stays tight across five days. The match time plays a major role in shaping plans. Fast bowlers wait for the right movement in early overs. This Test demands patience and smart cricket as Adelaide often creates a strong contest between line, length, and temperament. 

Batters to Watch (Recent Stats)

Steven Smith – Australia

Steven Smith enters the Adelaide Test with top-class form. Across his last 9 matches, he has scored 771 runs at an average of 55.07 and a strike rate of 59.44. Smith’s calm presence and long-innings ability help Australia control tough sessions. His adaptability in shifting conditions makes him one of the most reliable run-builders in the current Test arena.

Alex Carey – Australia

Alex Carey’s recent numbers highlight his rising consistency. In his last 10 matches, he has scored 598 runs at an average of 42.71 with an 80.16 strike rate. Carey’s ability to manage slow periods and rotate the strike gives Australia stability in the lower middle order. His balanced approach keeps pressure on bowlers while protecting wickets during crucial phases.

Joe Root – England

Joe Root remains England’s most trusted Test batter. Over his last 10 matches, he has produced 927 runs at a 57.94 average and a 62.17 strike rate. Root’s technique and calm shot selection make him the anchor of England’s innings. When pressure builds, Root absorbs it with ease and turns long stays at the crease into match-defining contributions.

Harry Brook – England

Harry Brook continues to deliver high-impact cricket. His last 10 matches include 816 runs at an average of 45.33 with an explosive 86.62 strike rate. Brook attacks bowlers early, shifting momentum quickly as Adelaide’s true bounce suits his aggressive strokeplay, making him a major threat in the middle order.

Bowlers to Watch (Recent Stats)

Mitchell Starc – Australia

Mitchell Starc brings serious pace and swing into every spell. In his last 10 matches, he has taken 48 wickets with a 3.42 economy and a strike rate of 31.5. Starc’s ability to strike early and reverse the ball later makes him a constant danger. Adelaide’s conditions amplify his impact, especially under lights with the pink ball.

Scott Boland – Australia

Scott Boland’s precision makes him a standout threat. Across 5 recent matches, he has claimed 29 wickets at a superb 2.86 economy and 31.58 strike rate. Boland thrives on accuracy, forcing mistakes through relentless pressure. His disciplined lengths are perfectly suited for Adelaide’s surface, where patient bowlers often control entire sessions.

Ben Stokes – England

Ben Stokes delivers game-changing spells when England needs them most. In his last 9 matches, he has taken 35 wickets with a 3.5 economy and a strike rate of 39.42. Stokes uses clever variations, strong aggression, and leadership instincts to break partnerships. His all-round role becomes especially important in swinging conditions under the pink ball.

Brydon Carse – England

Brydon Carse adds steady pace and discipline to England’s attack. Over his last 8 matches, he has picked up 26 wickets with a 3.99 economy and a strike rate of 57.84. Carse focuses on maintaining tight lines and drawing mistakes from batters. Adelaide rewards bowlers who stay patient, giving Carse a clear role in controlling long sessions.

How Australia Approaches the 3rd Test

Australia keeps a strong formula because their bowling unit brings great control. The team focuses on early lead, calm partnerships, and pressure bowling.

Australia Key Goals

• Build stable starts with Smith and Labuschagne
• Use Starc early for breakthroughs
• Support bowlers with tight fields
• Keep England under pressure across long spells
• Use a lower order to add extra runs

This approach gives Australia many chances to build control at home.

How England Approaches the 3rd Test

England wants a fresh beginning. Their batting needs more consistency, while their bowlers need discipline. Adelaide offers a good chance because of long-form stability.

England Key Goals

• Build a strong top-order start
• Use Root’s experience to guide middle overs
• Bring aggression with Brook and Stokes
• Keep bowlers in long rhythm
• Plan sharper spells with Wood and Archer

England wants a full-team performance. Their confidence grows when their middle order stays solid.

Why the 3rd Test Can Become the Series Highlight

The first two matches moved in one direction, but the 3rd Test has the potential to shift the entire narrative. Australia enters Adelaide with momentum, and if they win this match, they secure the series, leaving England with no room for mistakes. England arrives with urgency and intent, knowing this is their only chance to stay alive.

Adelaide rewards discipline, which brings both teams into the contest. Strong bowling spells, long batting sessions, and sharp captaincy decisions promise a tight and high-pressure Test. With conditions, timing, and squad depth perfectly aligned, the 3rd Test stands out as the match that could command the full spotlight of the series.

Final Thoughts

The numbers show strong patterns for Australia. England still holds players who can shift this match. The 3rd Test sets the tone for the full series. The atmosphere in Adelaide builds the excitement that fans look for in big contests.

Every run, every wicket, and every session will shape the story. The England Tour of Australia reaches a crucial point. The best part stays ahead when both teams enter the field with clear focus.